10 Kinds Of Smoothies To Get You What You Need This Summer
While smoothies are definitely the kind of thing that you can — and I personally think that you should — consume year-round, there really is something about a cold homemade smoothie on a hot summer's day that is refreshing as all get out. Not to mention that they come with all sorts of benefits like they can help to prevent dehydration, curb food cravings and, if you make them from scratch, they are better for you than juice because you're getting more nutrients since you're consuming its pulp. Not to mention the fact that smoothies are mad convenient if you're looking for a filling snack when you're on the go.
Today, I'm going to share 10 smoothie recipes. All of these feature fruits that are ripe during the summer season. As a bonus, they are also fruits that can help you with very special health issues or concerns that you may have. By the way, it should go on record that the cool thing about smoothies is you can go the dairy or milk alternative route or not. Sometimes I like mine to be thick like a shake and so I'll add some Greek yogurt. Other times, fruit, honey and crushed ice is all that I want.
No matter how you decide to customize your own smoothie, hopefully these will inspire you to go to the store, pick up some fresh fruit and treat yourself ASAP. Because y'all, a smoothie in the summertime is always worth it.
1. A HYDRATER: Sunrise Apricot Strawberry Smoothie
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Another name for apricots is Armenian plums which may explain their tiny size. While they may be small, apricots contain their fair share of nutrients including fiber, protein and vitamins A, C, and E. Other reasons why they're so good for you is they are helpful when it comes to keeping you regular and protecting your skin from free radicals. Since apricots also contain a good amount of water (like most fruits do), they're a hydrating treat. As far as strawberries go, they also are full of fiber, along with Vitamin C, folate, potassium and antioxidants. They also have plant compounds in them like ellagitannins and ellagic acid which can help to keep bacteria at bay. Oh, and since the particular recipe that I've included calls for honey too, you can also feel good about getting your "sweet tooth fix" in since honey is proven to be healthier for you than sugar (by a country mile, chile).
Get the recipe here: Sunrise Apricot Strawberry Smoothie
2. A SKIN TREATMENT: Tropical Mango Smoothie
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Hands down, mangoes are personally one of my favorite fruits. I like their sweetness, their texture — pretty much everything. Good thing too because they've got just about every B vitamin that you could think of, along with fiber, copper, vitamins A and C and folate. Mangoes are super good for you because they are filled with polyphenols (plant compounds that serve as antioxidants). That's good to know because polyphenols can slow down the signs of aging. The fiber in them can assist with digestive health and, since Vitamin C helps our body to produce collagen, mangoes can be a smart way to help your skin (and hair) to thrive as well.
Get the recipe here: Tropical Mango Smoothie
3. A NATURAL ESTROGEN ADDITION: Chocolate Cherry Smoothie
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I don't know about y'all but, to me, a bowl of fresh cherries while sitting outside at sunset is something that I'm pretty much always down for.
The people I know who are either going through menopause or are post-menopausal, I will oftentimes recommend that they snack on some cherries. Since they're in season during the summertime, they can really help with hot flashes on a whole 'nother level because they contain phytoestrogens (which is basically a plant form of estrogen).
Cherries are also a good source of fiber, protein and Vitamin C. They've also got a good amount of anti-inflammatory properties, which makes them great to snack on if you're looking to decrease muscular discomfort after a hard workout. As far as the raw cacao powder that this particular recipe calls for, the flavonoids in it can help to lower your blood pressure and risk for high cholesterol levels. Plus, this recipe includes protein powder which is a delightful way to get more protein into your system; especially if you are a vegetarian or vegan.
Get the recipe here: Chocolate Cherry Smoothie
4. AN ORAL HEALTH SURPRISE: Blackberry Banana Bliss Smoothie
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Blackberries are awesome because they too are full of fiber and Vitamin C (a lot of fruits are). Since they also have Vitamin K and manganese in them, you can trust that blackberries are the kind of fruit that will support strong bones and strengthen your immunity. What a lot of people don't know about blackberries is they're also a fruit that contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that fight off the kind of bacteria that leads to oral decay. When you add bananas to this already amazing fruit, you can get even more fiber as well as potassium, manganese, copper, fiber, protein and vitamins B6 and C. All of these nutrients work together to lower your blood sugar levels, strengthen your heart, reduce muscle cramps, improve digestive health and even aid in weight loss.
Get the recipe here: Blackberry Banana Bliss Smoothie
5. A BRAIN BOOSTER: Raspberry Lime Smoothie
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While we're on the topic of berries, let's touch on raspberries for just a moment. To tell you the truth, it's kinda hard to find another fruit that has as much fiber in it as they do. Raspberries are also a good source of protein, vitamins C and K, manganese, antioxidants, and they also have vitamins B and E, iron, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus in them (crazy, right?). If you're looking for the kind of fruit that will slow down the production of cancer cells, raspberries have got your back. And, because they also contain anti-inflammatory properties, some health professionals say that raspberries can make arthritis much easier to deal with.
What I personally find to be dope is they are one of the fruits that can help to reduce oxidative stress. This is a bonus because that is the type of stress that ultimately leads to cognitive dysfunction. Add some limes into the mix and the amount of Vitamin C and antioxidants that are in them is pretty much off the charts! Also, since both help to increase immunity and the production of collagen while also helping to detoxify your system, why wouldn't you try a raspberry lime smoothie before the summer season ends?
Get the recipe here: Raspberry Lime Smoothie
6. A HEART AND KIDNEY HEALTH DELIGHT: Triple Melon Smoothie
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It makes perfect sense that melons like cantaloupe and honeydew would be in season during the summer months when you stop to think about how light and refreshing both of them are. Cantaloupe's got vitamins A and C, folate, potassium, fiber and antioxidants. Honeydew contains fiber, protein, Vitamin C and potassium. Due to the high water content of both melons, they are super hydrating. The Vitamin C in both will help to fight off free radicals. And since both fruits are a good source of potassium, you can trust that every time you make a fresh triple melon smoothie (the third melon is watermelon and we already covered that), you'll be doing your part to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and strokes as well as prevent kidney stones.
Get the recipe here: Triple Melon Smoothie
7. A WEIGHT LOSS SNACK: Honey Plum Smoothie
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I'm pretty sure that most of us know that prunes are nothing more than dried plums. Since a lot of us eat those in order to "stay regular", it's a given that plums are high in fiber. They also contain a fair amount of vitamins A, C, K, antioxidants and potassium. Because plums are low in calories and a good source of fiber, and staying regular can help to deplete your body of toxins that may be stored in your gut, that's what makes this particular smoothie good for weight loss (if you drink them in moderation because plums also contain a quite a bit of natural sugar [i.e., fructose]).
They're also cool because they can help to stabilize your blood sugar levels, promote bone health, lower your blood pressure and destroy the cells that can lead to breast cancer. Yep. Plums are certainly all that. Honey? It always does a body good because it's rich in antioxidants, can improve your cholesterol levels and, since it also has anti-inflammatory properties in it, honey can help to prevent you from getting heart disease or an autoimmune disorder up the road.
Get the recipe here: Honey Plum Smoothie
8. AN APHRODISIAC: Rosé & Watermelon Smoothie
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Watermelon on a hot summer's day? There's not too much that tops it. The reason why it made the smoothie list is, honestly, watermelon deserves an article of its own when it comes to all of the health benefits that it provides. Watermelon is made up of over 90 percent water, which makes it an ultimate way to hydrate yourself. It has a good supply of vitamins A and C. It's got a plant compound in it called Cucurbitacin E which contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. All of this works together to help to keep your heart strong, bodily inflammation down and muscle soreness from bothering you too much.
What I really like about watermelon is it's also considered to be a natural aphrodisiac. The lycopene (a type of carotenoid) in it is great when it comes to maintaining prostate health. Also, since watermelon contains the amino acid called citrulline and it is good at relaxing blood vessels, including in the genitalia region, this fruit is nicknamed "natural Viagra" because it is able to help to intensify orgasms.
And y'all, the good feelings will only increase with the help of some Rosè red wine and sprigs of mint (which are both in this smoothie recipe) since wine is an aphrodisiac and mint helps your breath to smell nice and fresh.
Get the recipe here: Rosé & Watermelon Smoothie
9. AN ALLERGY RELIEVER: Peach Blueberry Oatmeal Smoothie
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It's my personal opinion that a peach or blueberry-flavored anything is pretty close to being divine. The fact that both of them are uber healthy is literally the icing on the cake. Peaches are good for you because they have protein, fiber, vitamins A, C, E, K and some potassium in them. Plus, they're known for protecting your skin from damaging UV rays, boosting your immunity and also decreasing toxin levels in your system. However, what I truly dig about peaches is they can help to provide relief of allergy-related symptoms. That's because they contain properties that help to block the production of histamines which trigger things like sneezing and itchiness.
Blueberries are cool because they are an impressive source of vitamins C, K and manganese. They've got quite a bit of fiber in them too. Consuming these berries on a consistent basis can reduce DNA damage to your cells, help to lower your blood pressure and even help to fight and prevent urinary tract infections. Plus, since this particular recipe calls for oats, you'll be sure to get even more fiber, along with an unbelievable amount of manganese and a good amount of phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc; this is really great since introducing oats to children at a young age can decrease their chances for developing asthma as they age.
Get the recipe here: Peach Blueberry Oatmeal Smoothie
10. AN AMENIA PREVENTER: Boozy Frozen Lemonade
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Although lemons and limes are technically considered to be in season year-round, maybe it's just me, but they seem to be bigger during the summer months. Anyway, let's close this smoothie shout-out piece with a lemon smoothie that is sure to be a good time, thanks to the 2/3 cups of vodka that's in the recipe (for the record, vodka is able to increase blood circulation, lower cholesterol levels and reduce stress levels). Lemons are good for you because they're a great source of Vitamin C, they aid in the digestive process and, because they make it easier for your body to absorb the iron that comes from other foods that you eat, that makes this fruit something that can help to keep you from being anemic as well. So, if you're like me and you happen to like the taste of sour things, a boozy frozen lemonade could be the perfect way to end a hot summer's day. Enjoy!
Get the recipe here: Boozy Frozen Lemonade
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Different puzzle pieces are creating bigger pictures these days. 2024 will mark a milestone on a few different levels, including the release of my third book next June (yay!).
I am also a Professional Certified Coach. My main mission for attaining that particular goal is to use my formal credentials to help people navigate through the sometimes tumultuous waters, both on and offline, when it comes to information about marriage, sex and relationships that is oftentimes misinformation (because "coach" is a word that gets thrown around a lot, oftentimes quite poorly).
I am also still super devoted to helping to bring life into this world as a doula, marriage life coaching will always be my first love (next to writing, of course), a platform that advocates for good Black men is currently in the works and my keystrokes continue to be devoted to HEALTHY over HAPPY in the areas of holistic intimacy, spiritual evolution, purpose manifestation and self-love...because maturity teaches that it's impossible to be happy all of the time when it comes to reaching goals yet healthy is a choice that can be made on a daily basis (amen?).
If you have any PERSONAL QUESTIONS (please do not contact me with any story pitches; that is an *editorial* need), feel free to reach out at missnosipho@gmail.com. A sistah will certainly do what she can. ;)
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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When discussing the topic of raising children, discipline is often the first thing that comes to mind. Children need discipline. Full stop. But what is discipline? And how do we draw the line between discipline and revenge?
The origin of the word "discipline" can be traced back to the Latin word "disciplina," which means "instruction" or "teaching." Over time, however, discipline has come to be synonymous with punishment, with parents relying on shame, fear, and/or physical pain to curb undesirable behavior.
Teaching takes time, so nipping it in the bud in whatever fashion parents deem necessary (within reason) has become the norm. But is this what’s best for children? And when does it become less about curbing undesirable behavior and more about getting our licks back for offenses we feel our children should know better to do?
In my work as a parenting coach, I’ve often heard parents say, “I asked him nicely three times before spanking him. He didn’t stop doing it until I did, so clearly talking doesn’t work.”
And the parent isn’t wrong. Talking often doesn’t work the first, the third, or the even the 10th time. And the reason is directly tied to brain development.
Children cannot and do not process information the way an adult can. Auditory processing is not fully developed until a child is 14 or 15 years old. And even then, if a child has auditory processing delays or Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), they may always struggle with processing auditory commands. According to Susie S. Loraine, MA, CCC-SLP, the term auditory processing refers to how the brain perceives and interprets sound information. Several skills determine auditory processing ability—or listening success. They develop in a general four-step hierarchy, but all work together and are essential for daily listening.
Without this understanding, discipline can easily become revenge because parents will then view their child’s misdeeds as a personal slight. Instead of teaching them to do better, parents now want to show them the consequences of not doing better. This is why it's imperative for parents to discern between discipline and revenge to maintain healthy relationships with their children.
5 WAYS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN PARENTAL GUIDANCE AND RETALIATION:
Understanding The Intent
Discipline is rooted in love and concern for the child's well-being. It focuses on teaching lessons and helping children understand the consequences of their actions. Conversely, revenge-driven actions stem from a desire to inflict pain or punishment as payback for perceived slights or disobedience. Parents should reflect on their motives before taking disciplinary actions. Ask yourself whether your intention is to help your child learn or to make them suffer for upsetting you.
Example: If a child accidentally breaks a valuable item, a disciplinary response would involve discussing the importance of being careful and working with the child to come up with a way to replace or fix what they’ve broken. On the other hand, a vengeful reaction might involve yelling, harsh punishment, or bringing up past mistakes to intensify guilt.
Maintaining Emotional Regulation
Effective discipline requires parents to remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations. It's natural to feel upset or frustrated when children misbehave, but responding with anger or resentment can escalate the situation and blur the line between discipline and revenge. Before addressing the issue, take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts.
Example: If a child cannot follow instructions, a disciplined response would involve calmly explaining why their cooperation is necessary in working with the child to accomplish the goal. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve shouting, name-calling, or resorting to physical punishment out of anger.
Promoting Growth and Learning
Discipline should always aim to promote growth and learning. It involves guiding children toward making better choices and understanding the impact of their actions on themselves and others. Effective discipline strategies include positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and providing opportunities for reflection and growth.
Example: If a child repeatedly forgets to complete their chores, a disciplinary approach would involve discussing the importance of responsibility and finding solutions together, such as creating a chore chart or setting reminders with Siri or Alexa. In contrast, a revenge-driven response might involve imposing overly harsh punishments or belittling the child, which can undermine their self-esteem and hinder their ability to learn from their mistakes.
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Building Trust and Communication
Trust and open communication are essential components of a healthy parent-child relationship. Discipline should strengthen this bond by fostering trust and encouraging children to confide in their parents without fear of judgment or retaliation. When children feel safe and supported, they're more likely to accept discipline as a form of guidance rather than punishment.
Example: If a child admits to breaking a rule or making a mistake, a disciplined response would involve listening to their perspective, discussing the consequences of their actions, and working together to find a solution. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve accusations, blame, or shutting down communication, which can erode trust and damage the parent-child relationship.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Parenting is a learning journey, and, disciplining children is a delicate balance between guiding them toward responsible behavior and nurturing their growth. By understanding the intent behind our actions, maintaining emotional regulation, promoting growth and learning, building trust and communication, and seeking professional guidance when needed, as parents we can help our children built on love, respect, and understanding.
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